A Son de Marvideo
Especial El Camino a Vela
19 June 2026 · 46 min · 4 views · Avilés, Asturias
Sailboats racing under bright sun on open water
What this video covers
A fleet of roughly 40 pilgrims aboard multiple sailboats completed the 11th edition of El Camino a Vela, a sailing pilgrimage from northern Spain to Villagarcía de Arosa that mirrors the Camino de Santiago by sea.0:43 The 2025 edition ran 27 days, 19 under sail, and departed from Ondarribia after weather forced cancellation of the original La Rochelle–Hondarribia opening stage — the first time in the event's history that a departure stage was scrapped.2:03 Stops included Bermeo, Ribadeo, A Pobra do Caramiñal, and Villagarcía de Arosa, with crews walking the final kilometers to Santiago de Compostela to receive the Compostela credential, which requires a minimum of 100 nautical miles sailed.22:11 Boats typically carry two to four crew; two additional vessels, Soliola and Talayot, joined at Ribadeo.2:44 North Marinas, the non-profit association of northern Spanish ports, organizes the event, which began in 2016 with six to eight boats and reached nearly 30 in its 10th edition.3:20 Educación Azul, an association founded during an earlier Camino a Vela crossing, uses the event to introduce young people to maritime careers.11:11 Port infrastructure along the northern coast has improved markedly since 2016, partly driven by the fleet's annual demand.36:31 Information and future dates are published at elcaminoavela.com.44:45
More from A Son de Mar
From A Son de Mar — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.